Last year’s pandemic-shortened season meant some Upper Valley girls basketball teams played nearly a full slate of games, while others hardly played at all. Even still, five teams — Hanover, Hartford, Mid Vermont Christian, Oxbow and Windsor — reached the semifinals, while Rivendell advanced to the VPA Division IV quarterfinals only to see the game canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
All those teams will be looking to get a step or two further this season. Meanwhile, Lebanon, Mascoma, Stevens and Woodstock have brought in new head coaches. At Stevens, Steve Condon, previously an assistant, is taking over for his wife, Ivy, who recently gave birth to the couple’s first child. At Mascoma, the Royals’ all-time leading scorer, Tonya Young, is returning to her alma mater as head coach after graduating in 2007.
Coach: Dan O’Rourke (21st year).
Last year: 15-1, lost in semifinals to Kennett.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Eliza Daigle (F), Caroline Adams (G), Melissa Whitmore (G), Skouly Kachikis (G), Jane Lackley (C). Juniors — Stella Galanes (G), Amina Ajwang (F), Nina Sablan (F). Sophomore — Sydney McLaughlin (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Izzy Kachikis (G). Sophomores — Elena Mierke (G), Nina Marshall (F).
Analysis: Hanover looks to be a championship contender once again after falling in the semifinals each of the past two seasons. HHS returns four starters in Melissa Whitmore, Jane Lackley, Caroline Adams and Stella Galanes. Coach Dan O’Rourke is also excited for Izzy Kachikis, Nina Marshall and Elena Mierke to make immediate impacts.
“We’re an experienced, well-balanced team with athleticism, inside and outside play, and excellent team chemistry,” O’Rourke said. “With a strong core of nine returning varsity players, I think we’re poised to make another run at a championship.”
Coach: Heidi Bushway (4th year).
Last year: 11-9, lost in semifinals to North Country.
League: VPA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Elsie Davis (G), Beth Dobrich (F), Grace Gardner (G), Sarah Howe (G), Sophie Howe (G), Jenna Jasmin (G), Madison Withington (F), Emily Wright (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Marina Grassi (F), Avery Mosenthal (F), Jaelyn Smith (G), Ava Thorburn (F). Sophomores — Kamryn Brower (G), Madison Willey (G).
Analysis: This will be an important year for the Hurricanes — they have eight seniors back from last year’s trip to the VPA Division II semifinals. Hartford should be in position to compete with top teams like Fairhaven, North Country and U-32 in an attempt to make it back.
“We have a lot of experienced players who each bring their own strengths to the team,” coach Heidi Bushway said. “Our goal will be to work toward another trip to the Final Four.”
Coach: Christopher Boucher (1st year).
Last year: 8-4, lost in quarterfinals to Hanover.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Molly Smith (G), Ella Longacre (C), Catherine Cole (G), Clara Smyrski (F). Juniors — Keira Houdegbe (G), Madelyn Newton (F). Sophomore — Maddie Jewell (F).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Isabelle Hamilton (G), Brenee Shipley (F), Sarah Belk (F). Freshman — Lucy Eshbaugh (F).
Analysis: The Raiders are on their third head coach in as many seasons, but have an experienced roster, returning seven players with varsity experience. Lebanon should be strong defensively in Christopher Boucher’s first year in charge, which should help the Raiders compete in a top-heavy Division II.
Coach: Tonya Young (1st year).
Last year: 1-13, no playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Liberti LaCasse (G/F), Chloe Crate (G/F), Morgan Towne (G/F), Brianna Withington (G). Junior — Madisun LaCasse (G). Sophomores — Gabby Pierce (C/F), Emily Seiler (G), Leah Larocque (C), Kylie Rogers (G), Hailey Miller (G/F).
Newcomers: Junior — Kayli Staplefield (G). Freshman — Anna Sullivan (F/C).
Analysis: The Royals struggled mightily in Walt Hammond’s final year in charge, winning just one game in the pandemic-shortened 2021 season. But with nearly the entire roster coming back, there are certainly reasons for optimism. New coach Tonya Young — who graduated from Mascoma in 2007 as the school’s all-time leading scorer — is also excited for freshman Anna Sullivan to make an immediate impact.
“We’re excited to start fresh, and build from the foundation up and to hopefully bring back a hardworking, successful team that outhustles all the other teams,” Young said.
Coach: Chris Goodwin (6th year).
Last year: 9-3, lost in semifinals to Proctor.
League: VPA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Hayley Goodwin (G), Rachel Horner-Richardson (G), Emma Patel (F). Juniors — Deborah Airoldi (G), Skye Whitcomb (G). Sophomores — Abigail Crane (F), Sarah Bascom (F).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Autumn Powell (G), Brooke Powell (C), Alyssa Roberts (G), Lilly Horner-Richardson (G), Maggie Sharkey (F).
Analysis: The Eagles are very young this year, with five freshmen among their roster of 12. But they have plenty of experience as well, led by their senior backcourt of Hayley Goodwin and Rachel Horner-Richardson. Goodwin has 1,402 career points in her first three seasons, and has a shot to reach 2,000 this year. Coach Chris Goodwin expects freshmen Autumn Powell and Alyssa Roberts to make immediate impacts.
“If we take care of the ball and if we can get some more offense out of our role players, we should be in every game we play,” Chris Goodwin said. “I am expecting it will take a while for us to get accustomed to the speed of the game. It might take the first half of the season until we start to gel into a cohesive group on the court.”
Coach: Ross Dole (6th year).
Last year: 1-4, lost in first round to Kearsarge.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Riely Skarin (F), Alicia Urista (G), Annalee Hall (C), Zeta Morris (F). Juniors — Kirsten Williams (C), Maddy Norris (F). Sophomores — Tanya Sanchez (G), Emmah O’Conner (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Aura Parker. Freshmen — Maddox Lovely, Taylor Fellows, Skylar Nelson, Lela Trott, Torrence Williams, Cassie Sanborn.
Analysis: The Tigers were limited to five games in last year’s pandemic-shortened season, and this year they might be a work in progress with six freshmen, three of whom will split time between JV and varsity. Senior Riely Skarin and sophomore Tanya Sanchez are Newport’s returning starters.
“We look forward to having fun as a team and growing on our abilities every day,” coach Ross Dole said. “I believe if we can do those two things, we will be a playoff team come February.”
Coach: Barry Emerson (9th year).
Last year: 8-4, Lost in semifinals to Lake Region.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capitol League.
Returnees: Seniors — Darcy O’Connell (F), Nora Fahey (F), Taylor Bean (G), Emma Parkin (G), Alexa Kosakowski (G). Junior — Abigail Carson (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Sarah Kuge (G). Juniors — Makenna Simmons (F), Noell Koslowsky (F). Sophomores — Hazel Fahey (F), Hadlee Allen (G). Freshman — Maggi Ellsworth (G).
Analysis: The Olympians have a bit more depth this year than last, with their roster size increasing from 10 to 12. They did, however, lose a strong senior class that reached the semifinals each of the past two seasons. Still, Emma Parkin and Alexa Kosakowski are returning starters, and coach Barry Emerson expects freshman Maggi Ellsworth to make an impact right away.
“I am confident this group will work hard and step up to the challenge,” Emerson said. “The team is willing to put in the work that it takes to get better.”
Coach: Tim Goodwin (2nd year).
Last year: 6-3, advanced to quarterfinals, game canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
League: VPA Division IV
Returnees: Seniors — Alex McFate (G), Kylie Taylor (G), Savannah Gray (F). Junior — Ryleigh Butler (G). Sophomores — Colleen Underhill (G), Olivia Harris (F), Elisia Sonsalla (G).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Lea Matena (F). Freshmen — Shaylee Carter (G), Erin Recker (G).
Analysis: The Raptors made remarkable progress in Tim Goodwin’s first year in charge, equaling their 2019-20 win total in 11 fewer games. This year, they return all but two players, and the three seniors — Alex McFate, Kylie Taylor and Savannah Gray — are expected to lead the way.
“We have an excited group of players who are working hard to find their identity,” Goodwin said. “We have a hard schedule this year and are looking forward to the challenge it will bring and help us prepare for the playoffs.”
Coach: Steve Condon (1st year).
Last year: 4-3, lost in second round to Fall Mountain.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Molly Derosier (G/F), Zahna Rice (F), Jenna Bonneau (F), Amaya Eitapence (F). Juniors — Alyssa Paquette (F/C), Tara Sullivan (F/C), Stella Lavertue (G/F). Sopho more — Kiley Bundy (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Alexis Boisvert (G). Juniors — Sara Faro (F/C), Joar Figal (G/F). Freshman — Bella Bovell (G).
Analysis: With several players switching positions from a year ago, versatility will be the Cardinals’ strength. Six rotation players return from last year’s pandemic-shortened season. Coach Steve Condon is taking over the varsity program after working as an assistant to his wife Ivy, who is on maternity leave.
“We have a good balance of veteran leadership and experience mixed with newcomers that will be able to come in and make an impact,” Condon said. “We have athletes that can run and score at all three levels, so we look forward to getting up and down the floor with more of a purpose as well.
Coach: Eric Ward (14th year).
Last year: 5-3, lost in playdowns to Williamstown.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital Division.
Returnees: Seniors — Macey Smith (F), Maddie Hatch (G). Juniors — Madi Mousley (F/G), Taylor West (F), Robina Wilmott (F). Sophomores — Addie Cadwell (G), Kelsey Bogie (G), Mason Fahey (F).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Whitney Lewis (F), Charlize Brown (F). Freshman — Starrina Coulter (G).
Analysis: The Panthers graduated seven seniors after last year’s abbreviated season, and are already being tested by injuries — Addie Cadwell will miss the entire year, while Maddie Hatch is still working her way back. Thetford lost early in the playoffs last season after nine straight trips to the Final Four, and with just two seniors, this could be a year for the Panthers to reload.
“Yes, we are young, but I love the makeup of this year’s squad,” coach Eric Ward said. “We probably have our toughest schedule we’ve had in a while. I’m just looking forward to the season.”
Coach: Tim Perreault (4th year).
Last year: 2-5, lost in playdowns to Peoples.
League: VPA Division III.
Returnees: Senior — Izzy Durkee (G). Juniors — Ella Perreault (F), Jillian Barry (G). Sophomore — Tanner Drury (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Shannon Hadlock (F), Maria Gray (F). Sophomores — Kaya Clark (F), Carlie Robinson (G). Freshmen — Hannah Collins (F), Lilly Babcock (G), Ashlyn Rhoades (G).
Analysis: The Wildcats struggled in their pandemic-shortened season last year and are a young team this year, with just one senior and six underclassmen. Still, three starters return in juniors Ella Perreault and Jillian Barry and sophomore Tanner Drury. Coach Tim Perreault said he expects junior Shannon Hadlock and freshman Ashlyn Rhoades to be contributors as well.
“We’re looking to improve on last year’s young team,” he said. “(We have) good players back with good players to fill the vacancy from last year’s seniors.”
Coach: Kabray Rockwood (2nd year).
Last year: 10-1, lost in semifinals to Vergennes.
League: VPA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Elliot Rupp (G), Peyton Richardson (G), Reese Perry (F), Karen Kapuscinski (F), Holly Putnam (G). Juniors — Skylar Thibodeau (F), Estella Attwood (F). Sophomores — Sydney Perry (C), Amber Simonds (F).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Gabriella Gilbert (F), Brianna Barton (F), Audrey Rupp (G), Sophia Rockwood (G).
Analysis: Led by a five-member senior class, the Yellowjackets should once again be among the top teams in Division III. Emily Rupp and Reese Perry are returning starters, and those returners are joined by a four-deep freshman class that coach Kabray Rockwood expects to make an immediate impact.
“The senior class has years of experience playing together so we will rely heavily on them to carry us,” Rockwood said. “We also have underclassmen that will not only be playing both JV and varsity but as the season goes on will be looked upon to provide depth off the bench.”
Coach: Dennis Wood (1st year).
Last year: 0-5, opted out of postseason.
League: VPA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Morgan Meyers (F), Lara Tarleton (F), Emma Tarleton (G/F), Megan Tarleton (F). Sophomores — Mikala Myers (G/F), Hannah Watson (G), Georgia Tarleton (G/F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Norah Harper (G/F), Jordan Schultz-Cur rier (G). Freshman — Kamryn Jillson (G).
Analysis: The Wasps didn’t take the court much last season, as several teams chose not to play them because they had a player with a medical facemask exemption. This year, under first-year coach Dennis Wood, the Wasps return three starters. They also added a pair of junior newcomers in Norah Harper, who switched to basketball from hockey, and Jordan Schultz-Currier, who transferred from another school.
“We have a core group of experienced returning players and we are very athletic,” Wood said. “Learning a whole new system with a new coach will take time but given time we should be competitive.”